- Man United boss Ruben Amorim says Kobbie Mainoo is not the finished product
- Talks with Mainoo representatives on a new agreement are stalled
- Hear It's all starting! Why Manchester United might have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho
Ruben Amorim has described Kobbie Mainoo as not “the finished product” as the 19-year-old's future at Manchester United remains uncertain.
Amorim is a big admirer of the England midfielder's potential but indicated there is a danger of him being overrated.
Mainoo, one of United's famous academy stars, has a contract until 2027 but talks with his representatives have hit a dead end as they seek £180,000 a week plus bonuses.
To help with profit and sustainability rules, United are ready to let Marcus Rashford leave in the January transfer window and are also open to selling fellow local players Alejandro Garnacho and Mainoo, valued at £65m.
“I think you guys feel like Kobbie Mainoo is the finished product, but it's not,” Amorim warned.
'It has a lot of potential to grow even more. It's really good but it can be much better.
Man United boss Ruben Amorim says 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo is not the finished product
Amorim believes Mainoo, whose future at Manchester United is uncertain, can improve further
“I think he's getting better. All the players are getting better.”
Amorim takes charge of their first FA Cup tie on Sunday against Arsenal aware of the importance of the competition in United's history.
He has watched a video of the famous 1990 third round tie at Nottingham Forest, which United won to save Alex Ferguson's job and change the course of their history.
Erik ten Hag was granted a temporary stay of execution after winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City last season, but lifting the trophy in 2016 did not stop Louis van Gaal from being immediately sacked.
“I know that story about fans saying 'Fergie out,'” Amorim said. 'They won the game, got to the final and won the FA Cup. I think it saved his job.
'Maybe I'll need it in the future, I don't know! It's about the feeling of winning. That feeling can give you a lot of confidence. If you win one thing, then you think you can win more. It's addictive.”
United earned a creditable draw at Liverpool last weekend having been defeated in five of their previous six games.
'Being consistent every day, that is my biggest concern. Not just the important games,” added the Portuguese coach.
Amorim praised midfielder Manuel Ugarte for the improvements he has made
'We need to suffer. We need to run. I saw in Liverpool when the referee finished the game, some of my players fell on the field, they were very tired.
“You don't see that in every game, so we have to focus on that detail.”
One player who is in form is midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who also played for Amorim at Sporting Lisbon and moved to PSG before reuniting with his manager at Old Trafford.
“I think he's improved with the ball, playing between the lines.” revealed Amorim.
“He is still an aggressive player but he has improved because he trained with some PSG players.
'He is from Uruguay, it is his style. He is a good example. “He plays in a very important position in the team.”
